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Date of Graduation
5-14-2026
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
First Advisor
Tammy Gilligan
Second Advisor
Deborah Kipps-Vaughan
Third Advisor
Joseph LeBlanc
Abstract
Teen Dating Violence (TDV) is a prevalent issue for many adolescents and can be defined as physical, sexual, and psychological aggression and harm that can occur in-person, online, or through technology. TDV victimization can have devastating impacts for youth, and school-based TDV prevention efforts have been highlighted as a means of addressing this issue. However, there is limited research on how prevention programming influences student beliefs and behavior. This study sought to reveal how programming influences student outcomes and which elements of highlighted prevention efforts are associated with greater benefits. A systematized review was conducted to address these research questions. Existing studies were screened and selected for the review based on inclusion criteria (school-based TDV prevention programs, peer-reviewed, published in the last 10 years, published in English).
A total of 27 studies were selected to be included in a thematic analysis, where 7 overall themes emerged: Fleeting influence on student attitudes and violence acceptance, Behavioral changes were variable and produced mixed findings, Culturally responsive and contextually relevant programs produce strong outcomes, Consideration of developmental timing is critical in program design, Students thrive when Skill-Based Learning is prioritized, School Climate, Social Norms, and Multi-Level Supports Influence Program Effectiveness, and Implementation Barriers Are Common and Significantly Influence Program Reach and Effectiveness. Findings indicate a need for developmentally appropriate, skill-based programming that accounts for student identity and situational context in schools. Feasibility and acceptability from both students and staff are other factors that are critical to creating positive impacts on beliefs and behaviors. The success associated with specific variables of prevention programming, such as program duration, frequency, and intensity, hinges on the themes identified in the study. Study limitations and implications for future research and practice were identified.
